Control experiments for the direct effects of G protein beta gamma-subunits (G beta gamma) on muscarinic atrial K+ channel [K+ (ACh)] currents have produced different results (Nature Lond. 327: 21-22, 1987; Nature Lond. 325: 296-297, 1987; Cold Spring Harbor Symp. Quant. Biol. 53: 365-373, 1989). A recent view is that stimulation is indirect via phospholipase by (PLA2) and arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites (Nature Lond. 337: 504-505, 1989). On reexamination we found that 1) the zwitterionic detergent 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)-dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS) used to suspend beta gamma stimulates atrial K+ (ACh) currents by itself, and the effects are concentration and Mg2+ dependent; 2) CHAPS stimulates atrial ATP-sensitive K+ channel and inwardly rectifying K+ channel currents; 3) blockers of eicosanoid pathways have nonspecific effects on atrial K+, Ca2+, and Na+ channels. We have confirmed that detergent-free, hydrophilic G beta gamma-subunits inhibit K+ (ACh) currents. Stimulatory effects of dimeric G beta gamma could not be separated from stimulatory effects of detergent, and blockers of PLA2 or lipoxygenase pathways do not clearly establish the significance of these pathways to atrial K+ (ACh) currents.